This invention relates to nanocomposites comprised of a functionalized elastomeric
polymer, including oligomers which are elastomeric, which contains a particulate dispersion therein of an intercalated, and at least partially exfoliated, swellable clay, such as for example
montmorillonite clay. Said clay may be pre-intercalated and thereafter blended with, or intercalated and at least partially exfoliated in situ within, a functionalized
elastomer in an
aqueous medium, wherein said functionalized
elastomer contains at least one functional group selected from acid, acid-salt, anhydride, and protonated amine-modified
epoxy groups. The invention further relates to articles of manufacture, including industrial belts and tires, having at least one component comprised of such
nanocomposite where such component may be a
coating thereon or other integral component. Such tire component may be, for example, a tire
tread, tire sidewall and / or tire innerliner.